Founded in the late 1960s by record store owner Seidou Adissa, Albarika Store is one of the most important independent record labels on the African continent. That it was founded in the relatively small ex-French colony of Benin (then still called Dahomey), is a testament to it's founder's musical taste and vision for what the local musical scene had to offer. Acid Jazz releases the first ever over-view of the label and it's music, compiled by David Hill of The Soul Revivers and West African musical expert Florent Mazzoleni, who also wrote the in-depth notes. The compilation provides a look into what was a developing and then thriving post-colonial music scene. It focuses on the label's biggest and most prolific act Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo and it's founder Melome Clement - who released under a variety of names often spotlighting on the musicians key to their sound. It also looks at the other established artists on the label such as the incendiary Les Sympathics de Porto Novo and Les Volcans. All of these artists create a unique mix of Westernised Funk, Soul and Latin sounds cross-pollinated with the traditional music of the region. Elsewhere, we hear the music as it is consumed further by funk and disco, with tracks from the ultraobscure, and exceptionally danceable albums by Ipa Boogie and Ogassa.
Release date:
November 1, 2024
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Dream Nails You Wish
Marshall Records
February 6, 2026 -
Faithless Champion Sounds [2xLP]
Faithless
September 19, 2025 -
Deaf Club We Demand A Permanent Sate Of Happiness
Southern Lord
October 3, 2025 -
Sigrid There's Always More That I Could Say (Crystal Clear)
Island
October 3, 2025 -
Buscabulla Se Amaba Así
Domino Record Co
September 12, 2025 -
The Casket Lottery Feel The Teeth
Iodine Recordings
September 12, 2025 -
Alter Bridge Alter Bridge [2xLP]
Napalm Records
January 9, 2026 -
Snooper Worldwide
Third Man Records
October 3, 2025 -
Mötley Crüe From The Beginning [2xLP]
Bmg
September 12, 2025 -
Zach Top Ain't In It For My Health [2xLP]
Leo33
August 29, 2025 -
Grizzly Bear Painted Ruins (Oxblood) [2xLP]
Warp Records
October 17, 2025 -
Gomez Liquid Skin (Green) [2xLP]
Integral
October 17, 2025 -
Tithe Communion In Anguish
Profound Lore
September 19, 2025 -
Margo Price Hard Headed Woman
Loma Vista Recordings
August 29, 2025